Netball NSW has named its 2026 17U State Team — a standout group of emerging athletes whose skill, diversity and hunger for success set a thrilling platform for next year’s National Netball Championships. Selected from one of the state’s most extensive and competitive trial processes, this team showcases the very best of New South Wales’ next generation.
General Manager of Performance and Pathways Mardi Aplin said the pathways system continues to deliver outstanding young talent from every corner of the state.
“It’s a really exciting team. The 17U selections are always such a huge trial process that began eight weeks ago in the regional areas of New South Wales and then it finally came through to the final phase on the weekend at Netball Central,” Aplin said.
“We’ve got some experience returning from the 2025 NSW team, along with some new athletes who have not been in programs before, so it’s a really exciting group to work with.”
The 2026 team is a true reflection of netball’s reach and inclusivity, featuring athletes from across metropolitan, regional and multicultural backgrounds in NSW.
Aplin highlighted the team’s strength across the court:
“Our shooting end is tall, strong and composed. We’ve got some big targets at the back and some really explosive, exciting goal attacks out in front.”
“The mid court is a really exciting and dynamic area. There’s lots of variation within that group, with athletes who can feed beautifully and adapt across multiple positions.”
“The defence end has a great mix of experience and emerging strength. The combination of height, reach and on-ball pressure gives us some really strong defensive options.”
Aplin said the strength of the 17U program is underpinned by Netball NSW’s statewide pathways.
“The pathways within Netball NSW are really strong at the moment. Our associations are doing wonderful things, along with the academy programs and our Emerging Teams. We’ve seen most of these athletes across the last 12 to 18 months, and it’s great to see regional players come through and compete with their metropolitan counterparts.”
She added that the makeup of this team captures what netball stands for today — inclusiveness, opportunity and aspiration.
“Netball is a sport for all — whether you’re from a regional area, a multicultural background or metropolitan Sydney. It’s about putting in the work and seeing role models who show you what’s possible. This team is exactly that. There are lots of little kids out there who will look at these athletes and think, ‘I want to be like them one day.’”
The 17U State Team is coached by Baulkham Hills Shire’s Nardia Trevor, who was reappointed as Head Coach of the 17U team following this year’s silver-medal finish at Nationals.
